Summary

Summary

I really liked learning about Bloglines. That was the only thing I hadn't done out of the tasks and I really like it. It is useful to me now and will be in the future. I can see something like that becoming more and more commonly used in the future.

The most challenging thing was keeping all of my accounts and passwords straight. I didn't write them down, so I kept getting them mixed up. I think I have about three Yahoo accounts now because I forgot the passwords to two of them.

The library can use MySpace to connect to teens (which it does already). Instant messaging could be used to answer questions like the AskNow service. Having up to date news and pictures on the website might attract more people. Mostly I thought this was a great thing in an 'in-house' sense. It is cool getting to know co-workers and sharing ideas.

It seems like a lot of people did this project. I liked being able to do it at my own pace and really exploring the things the tasks set out for us to learn. Though it wouldn't work for all things, staff development could definitely be done in this way. Staff could post ideas and updates about stuff going on in and around the library and group projects could even be set up.

All-in-all it was a good experience!

Task #10

MySpace

My MySpace url: http://www.myspace.com/kmwaddell

Benefits of MySpace: It is an efficient way of communicating with friends. I even found friends form elementary school on my personal page. It is fun to be able to send messages and comments, while creating and viewing backgrounds, pictures, videos, etc. I like being able to sign in as hidden, like with AIM. It is fun to be "friends" with other people from work. It is an easy way to communicate and get to know their personalities.

Pitfalls of MySpace: It is so addictive! It is too easy to check your page each time you're online. I tend to change my background and song a lot, which is a total waste of time, I know.

Task #9

Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Though I have heard of this program, this is the first time I have used it. I'm glad I was introduced to the uses of this. I think I am going to use it this weekend while visiting my sister in Berkeley. I will be able to work on my paper from her computer or the computers in the college library. On a normal basis, however, I think I will stick to using Word, since I am comfortable with it. Plus the Internet may not be working from time to time, and I would need to be able to access my files without it.

Task #8

YouTube

My YouTube username: kmw830

Muffins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNxwAU_xAMk

I go on YouTube a lot. It is the perfect cure for boredom. The kids at the Annex show me funny videos all the time, including the Muffins. In addition to humor, there is a lot of music on YouTube. You can find music videos by the artists themselves, or by amatures on the guitar, singing, etc.

PVLD could use YouTube for a lot of promotional and outreach activites. A welcome to the library message, tour of the library, montly updates, storytimes or other special events.

Task #7

Wikipedia

I have heard a lot about Wikipedia in my classes. Mostly that it is not really a reputable source, since anyone can edit the content. The format and search feature is pretty good though. Plus it is free, right? I use it ocassionally, but always check the references.

My screen name is: kmwaddell, just like my email.

I edited the Annex section by adding the Annex Kid song I made up. As a librarian, I could try and provide correct information on the site.

Task #6

Instant Messaging

Hey! My new AIM account is under AnnexGirl. PVLD is my buddy. Hooray! Here is the chat I had:

[14:42] annexgirl: Hi!
[14:42] Meebo Message: PVLD2007 appears offline. Your message may not be received.

The buddy list allows me to find and communicate with friends online. The list also lets me see who is online or not. It makes it easy to click on a name and start to chat. So far, PVLD is my only buddy. I also have a Meebo account and can instant message via gmail.

I think using instant messaging at work would be a great idea. It would let all staff communicate directly and privately about things (mostly work related, right?). I would definitely use it in the Annex. It would be useful to send Justin a message about certain kids or issues that way. I could also talk to Ali more effectively and more often!

Task #5

Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7370674@N06/422225615/

Tagging allows you to search for and view pictures under a certain subject (tag) heading.

My favorite thing about Flickr is the organization feature. They make it really easy for you to edit and tag the pictures. I think this would help if you had a lot of pictures.

An online community consists of people who share similar interests. For example, there is a Flickr group, LOL Cats, which invites different users to post funny pictures of cats. They even have a contest.


I had not used Flickr before now. Usually I use Kodak.com for my pictures. It is pretty easy to download, save, send, and order prints that way.